Many parents face this daily dilemma – how to let kids have fun online and explore, and yet be safe? To help parents navigate this ever changing online world, here is a breakdown of some of the more popular sites available to today’s kids.
Buy Stuffed Toys and Learn Money Tips on Webkinz
Webkinz appeals to younger children and masterfully ties in the world of kids' merchandise with the online virtual world. Here kids get to purchase one of hundreds of adorable stuffed creations of their choice, then using the code attached, can go online and make their stuffed creature come to life in the virtual world. As far as safety goes, this site also offers different chat options.
The first option is called KinzChat, which only allows children to pick from scripted phrases when they chat. In this mode kids cannot type in their own messages.
In the second option called Kinzchat Plus, kids can type in messages on their own. The site claims it monitors chat to block offensive language or personal information. However, it cannot guarantee that personal information will not get through.
On the plus side many of the games on Webkinz are educational and it teaches children how to earn and spend money wisely. Another plus, once a Webkinz stuffed toy is purchased, kids are given membership for a year.
Play Educational Games and Learn Math Skills on Club Penguin
This popular Disney website allows children to play in a virtual world where they get to create their own penguin avatar, join a community, play fun games and participate in limited chat. Club Penguin also offers two ways to chat.
The first is called Ultimate Safe Chat, which limits what users can say to a scripted list of phrases. With this mode of chat, users cannot type their own messages. The second chat option is called Standard Safe Chat. In this mode of chat users can type their own messages. Messages are monitored, but again the site cannot guarantee that personal information cannot be exchanged between users. Users caught using inappropriate language or requesting personal information can be banned from the site.
Club Penguin does offer a variety of educational games and teaches money and math skills. Basic membership is free, however, if kids want a membership badge, there is a fee involved. The badge offers exclusive access to special rooms, games, even priority entrance which means members don’t have to wait in line to get into their favorite rooms or play their favorite games. Fees vary based on monthly and yearly memberships.
Create Avatars and Explore New Worlds on Jumpstart
Kids can create their own avatar and enter the world of Jumpstart. They can design their own house, adopt a pet, and explore new worlds. The games in this websites are all built around learning and offer lots of rewards and positive reinforcement. Membership fees are charged and can be paid monthly, full year or one time lifetime charge.
Zwinky Suitable for Teens
For children aged 13 to 17, Zwinky allows kids to turn themselves into a 3D image and shop, make friends and play games. This site is strictly for older kids as it offers unfiltered access to chat rooms and access to other members profile pages. The site is free to use, but parents should closely monitor their kids' activity if they are using this site.
Today’s children will grow up with the internet being used as a major educational and social network. For parents, the challenge to keep children safe in this ever changing world is increasingly difficult. With a few clicks of the mouse, kids can be transported to faraway lands and possible in contact with strangers who may not have their best interests in mind.
Parents need to get educated about the sites their kids are on and what they are doing on them. When it’s used safely, the internet can be a great source of information and entertainment for children of all ages.
Lisa Milordo - My name is Lisa Milordo and I have been a freelance writer for over ten years. I started out writing copy and headlines for a large direct ...
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